The use of computer aided equipment in the recovery room

The hospital where I am currently working utilizes a computer system that connects to monitors placed on the patient and determines the level of the patient’s recovery and when they are deemed safe to release from the recovery room. I call into question the dependence on this type of equipment and believe that assessing what the patient is doing physically is a better indicator of when a patient is ready to be transferred out of the recovery room. The use of Cholinergic Antagonists such as rocuronium and a Parasympathomimetic such as Neostigmine as well as the use of Neophenylephrine an Alpha Adrenergic Agonist all affect the patient’s ability to meet criteria. Chapter two in Dr. Johnson’s course discusses the importance of a patient’s underlying illnesses when assessing neurological function. The use of an Alpha Adrenergic Agonist is going to increase blood pressure. In a patient with poor lung compliance, recovery from rocuronium may take longer despite the administration of Neostigmine. I have utilized the enhanced knowledge I received in reading about Control and Coordination out of “Physiology for Nursing Practice” in assessing patients. I find that the computer’s indication that a patient meets discharge criteria is significantly different than my hands on assessment. It is concerning to me in this environment of moving patient’s in and out faster that we are depending more on machines than we are on our senses and assessments skills.